Alabama

ALABAMA

Looking to learn to be a power lineman or utility service worker in the state of Alabama?

Wondering about requirements, certifications, licenses, or becoming a telecommunications worker?

Now is a great time to pursue further education within the field. The median base salary in Alabama for a lineman is $68,300 annually. This article will explain what a good program should include and direct you to some resources to prepare for a line worker career in Alabama.

To become a line man in the state of Alabama, you have several options for education and training. You can go to your local IBEW and sign the books or start by studying at a career center or community college. No matter how you choose to start your career a good program should include the following:

  • It should have been created in conjunction with area utilities and contractors.
  • The program should include classroom and hands-on training even if the training is on-site rather than in the field.
  • It should develop you mentally as a problem solver and develop your communications and team working abilities.
  • Your technical training should include Climbing School, Electrical Fundamentals, AC Theory, Line worker Tools, Measurements, Hardware, Basic Arithmetic/Math, and Transformation Theory.
  • You should also obtain at a minimum the following certifications: OSHA 10-hour, First Aid/CPR Certification, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Programs through community colleges and career and technical centers are usually available to be funded through WIOA, Youth Programs, and other reemployment assistance programs.
To enter a program, you will need to pass a DOT Physical and a Drug Screen. Programs through the IBEW (union) will be much longer, but you will be paid as long as you are working.

Electrical Lineman Jobs in Alabama

The Construction and Skilled Trade Selection System examination (CAST) is the most typical test to take for an apprentice or pre-apprentice position in Alabama.

The Construction and Skilled Trade Selection System examination (CAST). This test consists of 110 questions and is about 90 minutes long. There is no single “passing score.” The company that you are applying to will set their own score cutoffs for a given position so it important to do your very best. You can take a practice test here with the following login information:

Username: Reno
Password: Tahoe

You can look for jobs here.

Job Outlook for Line workers in Alabama

Over the next decade, it is projected that there will be 8% job growth in the field. There is a great demand for power linemen and telecommunications workers and salaries reflect this. The national average base pay only for lineworkers is $68K annually and with overtime, this can quickly climb above six-figures.

Conclusion

Lineworkers are a special breed and it’s not for everyone. If you think you have the call and want to learn more look at what jobs are available. See if you can get some climbing practice in if you know a lineman or at a school. If you want it go out and get it.

 

Looking For Information On Nearby States?
You might also be interested in learning about the options in the surrounding states:
Florida
Georgia
Mississipi
Tennessee